I have to say, leaving home for the 2nd time wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I was definitely more emotional last August when I was leaving GA for Seoul and I know now that it was due to the fear of the unknown. This time around, I did a lot of reflecting and remembering how nervous I was. Although, looking back and seeing your parents tear up is something you don’t really get used to.

Lately I’ve been wondering if anyone ever regrets signing up to live abroad for another year. Funny how everyone at home kept telling me that they don’t expect to move back any time soon. I was pretty sure I felt the same way, but sometimes, sometimes you feel unsure if the decision you’re about to make is the right one. WHAT IS THE RIGHT DECISION? That’s what I’ve been thinking about lately — which way do I want to steer my life?

What I do know is what I don’t want to do. I don’t want to be too comfortable and fall into a routine. Waking up and going to bed after doing the same exact thing every day? How is that life and how can you want to continue living that way? I don’t get it, but I’m not trying to say that everyone should just uproot their lives and roam everywhere. Drastic changes aren’t the only way to experience life — do something, discover something, learn something. Unfortunately for me, I need drastic change to feel like I’m taking advantage of my life and my youth. I like challenging myself to overcome my fear of new places, awkward moments, and living in unfamiliar territory.

My trip back to Georgia really put that back in perspective for me. Everything was normal, way normal. I still remembered every street, where certain restaurants were, and even where my mom kept the bandaids. People changed a bit, but for the most part I eventually felt right at home. The first week was really weird trying to adjust to it. I went back home ready to experience something drastic and it was just … the same. Haha. Not going to lie though, it was good to see everyone and see that people were excited to see me again. Definitely had some good chats with the gal pals. We’ll see who I’ll still be in contact with my next visit.

As for me right now, I’m sipping on green tea and skipping my school lunch because I ate a bagel this morning and I feel full even though I KNOW I’m going to feel hungry enough to eat a bear and a few of my students by the time 4:30pm rolls around. I never learn. I start teaching this Monday (it’s Friday today) and that will be the official start of my second year teaching at a South Korean public school. 🙂

Cheers.